How to help your grieving child

When children lose a loved one, it can be hard and it’s important to be supportive. Children of different ages cope differently, and while you know your child best, it’s also crucial to give them the space they need to grieve. Don’t force them to talk when they’re not ready.
Mini Tandon, DO, a Washington University child and adolescent psychiatrist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, encourages parents to give their children different outlets for grief, including:
Drawing
Listening to music or writing a song
Creating a memory scrapbook

If you notice your child is becoming more depressed, and that their depression lasts several weeks to a month or more, then it’s time to ask your pediatrician for help. Need help finding a pediatrician? We’re here to assist. Learn more about what factors to consider when choosing a provider.

The St. Louis Children’s Hospital YouTube station is intended as a reference and information source only. If you suspect you have a health problem, you should seek immediate care with the appropriate health care professionals. The information on this website is not a substitute for professional care, and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. For help finding a doctor, St. Louis Children's Hospital Answer Line may be of assistance at 314.454.KIDS (5437). The opinions expressed in these videos are those of the individual writers, not necessarily St. Louis Children's Hospital or Washington University School of Medicine. BJC HealthCare and Washington University School of Medicine assume no liability for the information contained in this website or for its use.